Program of Study

The objectives of the master’s program curriculum are to provide advanced practice nursing education which focuses on:

Health promotion of individuals, families and groups from diverse populations;

Management of health problems in collaboration with client, families, and health professionals;

Leadership in the profession; and

Research utilization for evidence-based practice.

The graduate program is designed for a four-semester, two-calendar year schedule, although part-time study is possible. Within each major area of specialization all students are prepared with knowledge and skills necessary for leadership in a variety of settings. Methods of inquiry, research and scholarly techniques are integral parts of the curriculum.

Program Outcomes

The master’s degree program educates graduates who are prepared to:

Practice in the advanced nursing role of the specialty

Collaborate with clients, peers, and other health professionals

Demonstrate leadership in the profession of nursing.

Admission and Degree Requirements

Requirements for the master's program are:

A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from an accredited program,

An undergraduate scholastic average of 3.0 or better,

An introductory course in statistics,

License to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and professional nursing experience,

A resume,

Three letters of recommendation pertaining to academic ability and professional competency with one preferably from a Baccalaureate faculty member. The others should be from professional supervisors. Professional supervisors titles must be included.

Written Statement: On one or two separate sheets of paper and in 750 words or less, please reflect on your past professional nursing experience and describe your immediate and and long-range goals, including your professional aspirations as an advanced-practice nurse,

Computer literacy,

Official transcripts, and

Completed application and fees.

A minimum of 42 credits of course work is required for graduation with an MS for all students. A research project or a thesis is required for graduation.

Students may be admitted for part-time study. Part-time students must meet the same admission requirements for graduate study as full-time students. Part-time students will meet with their assigned advisor and plan a schedule for their program of studies. All admitted students are advised to contact their assigned advisors for program of study recommendations and to register for courses during University advisement periods.

Transfer of credits for non-matriculated students: Non-matriculated students may take a maximum total of 12 graduate credits (4 courses) earned with a grade of B or better prior to matriculation which may be applied toward the MS degree. Those taken at another accredited institution may be transferred if appropriate to the MS degree program in nursing and after approval by the faculty of record for the UMass Lowell course and the petition signed by the Graduate Coordinator. To qualify as a transfer the course must have been taken within 5 years prior to the date of matriculation. Transfer of credits may not be granted for Advanced Health Assessment, Clinical courses or for clinical practica.

Admission is competitive. Priority deadlines are April 30 for fall admission and November 1 for Spring Admission. Applications received after these dates, if there are openings, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the admissions process within three weeks of the application deadline.

Additional Information

Students must carry CPR certification. Evidence of such must be provided. In addition, entering students are required to submit proof of immunizations, a PPD, and immunizations.

Family Health Nursing
This specialty focuses on facilitating the health practices of families during the process of normal development and identifying and treating common health problems across the life span. Students develop advanced skills in communicating with families, health assessment, health teaching and nursing intervention and evaluation. Students are prepared as nurse practitioners and are eligible to sit for the family nurse practitioner certification exam.
Speciality Courses:
33.660 Family Health Nursing I
33.663 Family Health Nursing Practicum I
33.661 Family Health Nursing II
33.664 Family Health Nursing Practicum II
33.662 Family Health Nursing III